Architectural treasures of southern India attract tourists

Mahabalipuram, Feb 2 (ANI): Architectural treasures and beautiful beaches of Mahabalipuram are attracting tourists in large numbers. Mahabalipuram town lies on the Coromandel Coast, which faces the Bay of Bengal. The cave temples here, which are considered architectural treasure houses, have recently become a tourists” hot spot. The architectural beauty and uniqueness of these temples situated just 60 kilometres away from the state capital Chennai, has been declared as world heritage sights by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The visitors become spellbound after witnessing these temples, especially the 8th century shore temple, which overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Growing tourism at places in and around Mahabalipuram has become a source of employment to thousands of inhabitants. Commissioner of Tamil Nadu State Tourism, R. Rajaram believes that the foreigners find Tamil Nadu a safe destination to visit and claims that the state tourism department has taken a number of initiatives to create a tourism friendly culture in the state. Also, Tamil Nadu is known for its hospitality which makes the visitors feel comfortable and secure. Rajaram said that the number of enquiries by foreign tourists has increased after the recent terrorist attacks in other major tourist destinations of the country including the ”Pink city” Jaipur, Bangalore, Mumbai, Guwahati and New Delhi. However, according to the tourists, they are not afraid to visit India after the terrorist strikes, but are comfortable in the lap of natural beauty of Mahabalipuram. “We are completely against any fundamentalism and terrorism and so we feel compassionate towards Indian people. If we have to go to Bombay, we will go. I mean it’’s a way to show solidarity towards Indian people, its very important,” said Joseph, a tourist from Brazil. Tourism contributes more than 6 percent to India’’s GDP of $1 trillion, and employs 53 million people directly or indirectly. Therefore, any lapse in the tourist business affects the lives of millions of families across the nation adversely. (ANI)